Solar energy in Lusaka, Zambia
Average irradiation 5.73 kWh/m²/day · ~1673 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Lusaka (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.58 | 22.4 | 136 |
| Feb | 5.63 | 22.1 | 137 |
| Mar | 5.60 | 22.1 | 136 |
| Apr | 5.52 | 21.4 | 134 |
| May | 5.36 | 20.0 | 130 |
| Jun | 4.87 | 17.9 | 118 |
| Jul | 5.04 | 17.4 | 123 |
| Aug | 5.87 | 20.3 | 143 |
| Sep | 6.51 | 23.9 | 158 |
| Oct | 6.83 | 26.6 | 166 |
| Nov | 6.28 | 25.9 | 153 |
| Dec | 5.68 | 23.3 | 138 |
Solar potential of Lusaka explained
Lusaka receives an average of 5.73 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square metre per day, measured over four decades of satellite observation. In practical terms, every kilowatt-peak of installed PV capacity yields about 1673 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Lusaka among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Lusaka?
With 5.73 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Lusaka produces roughly 1673 kWh per year. That is an excellent solar resource — payback periods are typically among the shortest worldwide.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Lusaka?
Approximately 8,000 kWh per year — enough to cover a large share of a typical household's consumption.
What data is this based on?
Long-term satellite observations from NASA POWER (1981–present) and the PVGIS SARAH3 database, assuming a performance ratio of 80%.
Compare with nearby cities
Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →